Join SCI and the Des Moines Astronomical Society to view the 2017 solar eclipse! Staff and volunteers will provide telescopes with solar filters for the public to safely view the eclipse.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby totally or partially obscuring the image of the Sun for a viewer on Earth. We will view 95% obscuration in Des Moines at 1:08 pm. This is the first total solar eclipse from coast to coast in America in 99 years.

What to bring: Be sure to pack lawn chairs or blankets, snacks and plenty of water. If you have solar glasses or other safe viewing devices, be sure to bring those, too!

Parking: Look for free parking in the parking garage on the corner of Grand and 7th. A map of parking locations for visitors can be found here. OR use the free D-Line downtown shuttle, which runs from Western Gateway Park to the Capitol every 10 minutes.

Restrooms: Restrooms are available in the Capitol building.

Weather Plan: The event will take place rain or shine unless there is severe weather. As an alternative, SCI will be showing a live stream from the path of totality from 11:00 am - 2:15 pm and offering $5 admission all day on Monday.

Please note: SCI is completely sold out of soalr eclipse glasses AND all of the scheduled SOLARMAX documentary showings.

Have you ever wondered what Snippy the Snapping Turtle eats? Come check out a feeding demonstration of one of SCI’s most ravenous reptiles! The snapping turtle feeding may be too intense for some visitors.